DAY 1
Zurich at Leisure. Welcome to Switzerland – a fascinating country known for spectacular mountain scenery, sparkling lakes and folklore traditions. Upon arrival at Zurich Airport you will be transferred to the Movenpick Airport Hotel.Our orientation tour of Zurich this afternoon, shows us elegant Bahnhofstrasse, the River Limmat as well as the Fraumunster, famous for its stained glass windows by Chagall. We also see the Grossmunster, founded by Charlemagne more than one thousand years ago. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and get-together with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
DAY 2
Zurich – Lausanne. Wonder at the spectacular scenery as we climb over the Brunig Pass to Brienz, where we see a demonstration of the local craft of woodcarving. From here it is not far to Interlaken, located on the narrow neck of land that separates Lake Thun from Lake Brienz. Admire the magnificent backdrop of the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains, before continuing our journey through the Bernese Oberland to the capital of Switzerland, Berne. This picturesque capital, with its arcaded shops and fountains, is where we see the famous bears of Berne. We finish our day with a scenic drive to Lausanne, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Tonight we stay at the attractive Carlton Hotel. (BB,D)
DAY 3
Lausanne – Geneva Excursion. We enjoy a delightful drive through steeply terraced vineyards overlooking the expansive blue waters of the lake, to Geneva. Cultural centre of the French speaking Swiss, this city is unquestionably one of the most privileged Swiss cities, on account of its exceptional location. Visitors are charmed by the opulent mansions, the harbour and the shimmering shores of the lake, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and wooded mountains. Our orientation tour shows us the Reformation Monument and the United Nations Buildings. The we see the magnificent landmark, Jet d'Eau, the highest fountain in the world, whose great white plume marks the city from a distance. We view the Floral Clock, before some time at leisure to shop for beautiful Swiss timepieces and mouth-watering chocolates. We return to Lausanne this afternoon, where we have time at leisure to stroll along the lakeside promenades, admire the elegant boutiques or perhaps take a boat trip on the lake. (BB)
DAY 4
Lausanne – Zermatt. You won't easily forget your first sight of Chillon Castle, perched on its rock jutting out into the lake, with the craggy Dents du Midi behind it. Nor will you forget your guided tour of this waterbound fortress, with its chilling dungeons evoking Lord Byron's famous poem, ‘The Prisoner of Chillon'! We then follow the mighty Rhone rive past the fortress of the Bishops of Sion to Visp. Here our coach takes the dramatic road to Tasch, where we travel by special minibuses and electric taxis to our hotel in the unique traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt, spectacularly set beneath the Matterhorn.Tonight we stay at the delightful Alpen Resort and enjoy a highlight dinner of typical Swiss cuisine. (BB,HD)
DAY 5
Zermatt – Locarno. Scenic splendour fills our day as we descend from Zermatt to cross the majestic Simplon Pass. We continue over the border into the Italian Lake District, pausing beside magnificent Lake Maggiore, then drive to the elegant lakeside Swiss resort town of Locarno, with its Italian style piazzas and graceful tree-lined promenades. Tonight we stay at the Grand Hotel. (BB,D)
DAY 6
Locarno – St Moritz. This morning we travel to the area of Lugano to visit a chocolate factory, where we are shown how this delicious Swiss confection is produced! Time to shop for bargains in Swiss chocolate before briefly re-entering Italy, to follow beautiful Lake Como through the mountains back into Switzerland, ascending the Maloja Pass to reach the renowned ski resort of St Moritz. Tonight we stay at the centrally located Monopol Hotel. Now there's free time to browse in the elegant boutiques or perhaps join an optional horse carriage ride along the Rosegg Glacier Valley? (BB,D)
DAY 7
St Moritz – Lucerne. Today we drive the same route as the famous Glacier Express. We sit spellbound as we pass picturesque villages and white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style, nestling beneath mountain peaks, all at more than 12,000 feet. Then our journey takes us into the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, pausing in Vaduz below the Prince's 700 year old castle. Now we continue to the beautiful resort town of Lucerne. Our two night stay is at the Astoria Hotel. (BB,D)
DAY 8
Lucerne Sightseeing – Mount Pilatus Excursion. This morning our Tour Director takes us to view the Lion Monument, hewn from a limestone cliff to commemorate the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution in Paris. Then we stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge to view the beautiful baroque Jesuit Church, before embarking on an exciting excursion which takes us by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the best views of the snow-capped Swiss Alps, including the Jungfrau and the Eiger, before descending to meet our coach and return to Lucerne for a free afternoon. Tonight, why not try some fondue and fun at a Swiss Folklore show? (BB)
DAY 9
Lucerne – Zurich Airport. Your tour ends at Zurich airport by mid morning. (Your flight should not depart before 11.30am). (BB)
Important Information
Road conditions may necessitate changes to this itinerary, especially in early or late season